STEP 1: DO NOT allow anyone to gain remote access to your computer that you don’t trust.STEP 2: DO NOT allow anyone to convince you something is wrong with your computer.STEP 3: Take pictures of the error message and/or the number to call for our reference.STEP 4: Call Blue Mountains Computers to investigate the potential scammers.

For more information please read below:Recently there has been a large increase in the number of scammers pretending to offer fake technical support for computer issues that don’t actually exist.Generally, these scams start in one of two ways: A phone call, usually claiming to be “Microsoft” or “Telstra” letting you know that your computer has been sending out “error signals”, or fake error messages on websites. Some examples follow.

At a glance, these seem like legitimate error messages, but they are actually parts of a web page.​Calling one of these numbers will put you in contact with a scammer who will likely get you to install some remote control software on your computer and give them full access. An example of a chat conversation is shown below:

From there, they will usually install viruses (under the guise of fixing your supposed issue) so that they can get you to call back another time and charge you again. They will often charge you large amounts of money for an “anti-virus”, either through credit card or in some cases, by getting you to buy several gift cards from a retailer and telling them the codes. Sometimes these criminals will also take copies of interesting looking data, which could lead to identity theft and impersonation, alongside bank details.

If you see one of these “error warnings” on a site you are browsing, it’s best to close it immediately and make sure not to click any of the errors. If you receive a cold call* from someone claiming to be Microsoft or Telstra tech support, just hang up on them. The actual companies will never cold call about an error like that. (*Cold call – meaning to make an unsolicited telephone call to someone in an attempt to sell goods or services)

If you are in any doubt at all, please feel free to call us on 02 4751 7111 and talk to us, we will quickly tell you if it is legitimate or not. If it occurs during closed hours then ask them to call back and hopefully by then we can verify if they are legitimate or not.